reviews ED
Riviera Rose Riviera Travel
OVERVIEW: Riviera Rose is one of the most striking new ships on the River Douro, designed to maximise views from every angle. That includes a double-height conservatory enclosing the Rio Bistro at the stern, which opens on to a smart sun deck with a long splash pool and cushioned sunloungers under super-sized umbrellas. Launched in April 2025, this is Riviera Travel’s third ship on the Portuguese river, built specifically to navigate the Douro’s locks and bridges. A maximum of 114 passengers are looked after by 38 crew.
CABINS: Four suites on the Diamond (upper) Deck have a living area and balconies with seating, while most of the 53 staterooms on Diamond and Ruby (middle) decks feature a full-width sliding patio door to create a French balcony. Emerald (lower) Deck staterooms have a fixed window. Triple wardrobes, a set of drawers and bedside cabinets provide plenty of storage. Quality twin or double beds, fine white linen, good pillows, air-conditioning and pop-out bedside lights add to the comfort, while the tiled shower room has a walk-in shower with simple-to-use settings.
FOOD AND DRINK: Light pours into the Riviera Restaurant, which has open seating at four or eight- seater tables. At breakfast and lunch, guests can choose from the menu or help themselves at the buffet. In the evening, table-service three-course meals include a choice of meat, fish, pasta or vegetarian
50 December 2025
dishes. Complimentary Portuguese wines are served at lunch and dinner. The Rio Bistro opens in the evening for Portuguese buffets of seafood, Iberian ham and local cheeses before the main course.
FACILITIES: Warm lighting and muted furnishings in earthy colours make Riviera Rose a delightful home from home. The Atrium lounge and bar are particularly attractive, with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of comfortable seating. Wi-Fi coverage is good and included in the fare. There is a 24-hour coffee station at the stern and a lift connects all decks, except the sun deck. There’s also a fitness centre on the lower deck.
USP: Riviera Rose has a club vibe, with mainly British guests who appreciate little touches including UK plug sockets, a kettle, tea bags and a Nespresso machine (plus a fridge for milk) in every stateroom.
BOOK IT: An eight-day Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca sailing, round-trip from Porto, with calls in Pinhão, Vila Nova de Gaia and Salamanca, Spain, costs from £2,249 per person, based on two sharing, with a choice of departure dates and regional flights from March 31 to October 27, 2026. Bookings for 2027 are now open.
rivieratravel.co.uk
Reviewed by Lesley Bellew
travelweekly.co.uk/cruise
PICTURES: Alex Cantrill-Jones/ACJ Media
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